There are no "coincidences" on our spiritual journeys. A year ago May, I found an Italian Catholic solidarity medal in a favorite antigue shop. My passion as a beader is to incorporate old findings with new to design unique pieces. It moves me deeply as a creator to think that a recycled piece of jewerly carries the dna of the previous owner - and that a trace of their essential being will be passed on and mixed with the essence of another. In any event, this medal "called" me. It is relatively large - about the size of a thumb from the 1st knuckle to the tip of the nail. I was surprised I was interested in the medal as my memories of being raised Catholic aren't positive. Still I felt compelled - like the Divine was moving me - to get a clerk to unlock the glass case that held the medal. ... just HAD to touch it! When I held the medal, I instantly loved the weight, shape, silver/brass coloring, and detail in the raised relief Sacred Mother. The inscription "Sodalis Maria" surrounds the Mother figure. The medal was a bargain at $2.00. I didn't hestitate to buy it. When I returned home, I was curious to know if 'sodalis" was a Latin variation of the word "sacred" - so I Googled the phrase and found another medal identical to if for sale on an antiques website (their listed price was $50!) What's so special to me about this medal is that my mother's name was Marie and her all-time favorite hymn was the Ave Maria. I felt great strength, compassion, joy and love when I first saw this medal and held it. I intuitively knew it was meant for me. "Sodalis" as it turns out is actually Greek for "companion or comrade."
I restrung Sodalis Maria with a string of old translucent red beads - separated by gold seed beads. ... just so happens I completed the necklace on Mother's Day - the last holiday I spent with my Mother before she passed away. I try on all jewelry I make before I sell it. ... and love that my dna gets incororated into the piece as the artist/maker. When I put the necklace on, I felt a deep spritual stirring within and felt incredible closeness my Mom, Marie, who passed in Oct. 2006. A profound sense of peace came over me. It was an amazing spiritual awakening. And so this Easter Sunday, I will wear Sodalis Maria as my husband and I travel to have dinner with our son's future-in-laws where there will be 3 generations of women. Life is a circle - with beginnings and ends inexorably linked. I feel so blessed this Easter/Passover week - wearing Sodalis Maria and to be reminded that I remain intimately bonded with significant women who came before - and ones coming into my life on this universally celebrated day of rebirth and renewal.
